Federal Workers Issue February 27 Deadline Over Unpaid Wages

Federal Workers Issue February 27 Deadline Over Unpaid Wages
Workers owed three months wage awards
Unions threaten action over unpaid allowances

Labour unions in Nigeria’s federal public service have issued a February 27, 2026 deadline to the Federal Government to release funds for unpaid wages and allowances owed to workers across ministries, departments and agencies.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council Trade Union Side, which represents eight civil service unions, formally notified the Ministry of Labour and Employment of its position, warning that failure to meet the deadline would compel workers to take action to recover their entitlements.

The unions said federal employees are owed three months of outstanding wage awards and other pending payments. They accused the government of withholding funds that are already available for disbursement by the relevant agencies.

According to the unions, although partial payments were made following sustained pressure, three months of wage awards have remained unpaid since July 2024.

The dispute followed the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦70,000 minimum wage after the removal of fuel subsidies, with workers expecting prompt and full implementation.

The unions also listed unpaid promotion arrears for staff elevated more than three years ago, outstanding salary arrears for employees recruited between 2015 and 2024, and the implementation of a 40 percent peculiar allowance based on the new minimum wage.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, security agencies and affiliated unions.

The unions insisted that federal workers should not be subjected to hardship over delayed payments and demanded immediate settlement of all outstanding entitlements.